Endemic Creature Under the Risk of Extinction: A Case Study on <i>Gekko badenii</i> in Vietnam

ABSTRACT As one of 17 Gekko species known from Vietnam, the Golden gecko— G. badenii , a species endemic to the South of Vietnam, was discovered in Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh Province. The species is one of the most popular reptiles in local communities and media as a specialty food. The species is also subject of international trade. However, detailed information on the species' population status and potential threats are lacking. Day and night excursions were carried out along 15 transects on Ba Den Mountain. A total of 883 geckos were captured by the research team and local hunters during 45 survey hours, with an average capture rate of about 20 individuals per hour and a person. The density of G. badenii was calculated at up to 450 individuals per square kilometer, indicating a relatively high abundance in suitable habitats. Furthermore, we investigated local and international use and trade in the species for food consumption and as pet. According to our interviews with hunters, a single hunter may be able to capture approximately 1500 to 3000 individuals per month. Based on reported reduced capture yields of local hunters, a decline in abundance of 40% to 60% in the species' type locality is assumed in recent times. Large quantities of specimens are sold at restaurants as specialty and offered for sale online as food. Regarding the pet trade, the LEMIS data documented the import of more than 11,000 live individuals of G. badenii into the United States from 2018 to 2023, with a majority of wild caught individuals originating from Vietnam. Online investigations recorded the presence of G. badenii on 28 websites of pet shops advertised for the commercial sale in the United States and several European countries. Together with habitat fragmentation and degradation (e.g., due to road construction, tourism and forest fires), the wild population of G. badenii has declined sharply and will presumably continue to decline in the future, even facing the risk of extirpation at its type locality. Thus, concrete conservation measures are highly essential to protect the wild population of G. badenii in Ba Den Mountain.